What is emtricitabine and tenofovir (AccessPak for HIV PEP Basic, Truvada)?

Emtricitabine and tenofovir are antiviral drugs that work by preventing HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) cells from multiplying in the body.

The combination of emtricitabine and tenofovir is used to treat HIV, which causes acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). Emtricitabine and tenofovir is not a cure for HIV or AIDS.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir is also used together with safer-sex practices to reduce the risk of becoming infected with HIV. You must be HIV-negative to use emtricitabine and tenofovir for this purpose. This medication may not provide protection from disease in every person.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Truvada

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What are the possible side effects of emtricitabine and tenofovir (AccessPak for HIV PEP Basic, Truvada)?

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

This medication may cause lactic acidosis (a build-up of lactic acid in the body, which can be fatal). Lactic acidosis can start slowly and get worse over time. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms of lactic acidosis, such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, or feeling very weak or tired.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these other serious side effects:

changes in the shape or location of body fat (especially in your arms, legs, face, neck, breasts, and waist).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about emtricitabine and tenofovir (AccessPak for HIV PEP Basic, Truvada)?

You should not take this medication if you are allergic to emtricitabine (Emtriva) or tenofovir (Viread). Do not take emtricitabine and tenofovir if you also take Atripla, Combivir, Complera, Emtriva, Epivir, Epzicom, Hepsera, Trizivir, or Viread.

Some people develop lactic acidosis while taking emtricitabine and tenofovir. Early symptoms may get worse over time and this condition can be fatal. Get emergency medical help if you have even mild symptoms such as: muscle pain or weakness, numb or cold feeling in your arms and legs, trouble breathing, stomach pain, vomiting, fast or uneven heart rate, or feeling very weak or tired.

Emtricitabine and tenofovir can cause severe or fatal liver problems. Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as nausea, upper stomach pain, itching, loss of appetite, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes).